Census 2027 to Recognize Live-In Couples as Married

In a significant update for Census 2027, couples in live-in relationships will be recognized as married if they consider their partnership stable. The self-enumeration portal allows individuals to submit their Census details independently. The first phase will gather data on housing and household assets, while the second phase will focus on demographic information. This marks a notable change in how relationships are classified in official records, reflecting evolving societal norms. The last Census was conducted in 2011, with the next one delayed due to the pandemic. Discover more about the implications of this decision and the Census process.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 16:22 IST

Recognition of Live-In Relationships in Census 2027

According to recent updates on the self-enumeration portal, couples in live-in arrangements who view their relationship as a 'stable union' will be classified as married during the upcoming Census 2027.

The self-enumeration portal allows individuals to enter their Census information independently, rather than relying on an enumerator's visit. This method will be utilized in both phases of the Census: the Houselisting and Housing Census, as well as the Population Enumeration.

The initial phase, set to commence on Wednesday, will focus on gathering data regarding housing conditions and household assets. This includes details about the structure of residences, access to essential and modern amenities, and the types of vehicles owned.

Additionally, this phase will document the number of individuals living in each household and gather information about the head of the household, such as their name, gender, community affiliation (Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or others), and property ownership status.

The second phase, anticipated to start in February 2027, will collect demographic data on individuals, including age, gender, education, occupation, and various socio-economic factors.

The last decennial Census was conducted in 2011. Although India planned to initiate the first phase of the Census in 2020, it was postponed due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.